Benzodiazepines and Tricyclic Antidepressants in Serum/Plasma - HPLC

Clinical relevance

Benzodiazepines are a large group of psychotropic drugs with a similar chemical structure. They are the most important representatives of sedatives and sleeping pills. Some are also used as antiepileptic drugs, muscle relaxants, and as analgesics in administering general anaesthesia. In the case of alcohol withdrawal treatments they facilitate weaning, although the danger of an alternative dependence exists. The various benzodiazepines are metabolised at different rates, and in some cases it is not until the metabolites form (e.g. desalkylflurazepam) that they become therapeutically effective.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are used to treat psychological conditions such as anxiety, pain syndromes, and phobias, and produce a positive mood enhancing effect. Their pharmacological effect is based on increasing the concentration of dopamine, noradrenalin and serotonin in the synaptic cleft by inhibiting the degradation or reuptake of these neurotransmitters.

By regularly determining the plasma levels side effects can be minimised and overdoses can be avoided. Also, patient compliance can be checked to help ensure optimal therapy outcomes.

Product advantages

• Covers all important benzodiazepines, TCA & metabolites
• Simultaneous sample preparation for both substance groups
• Identical HPLC column and mobile phase for all parameters

This kit is designed for the determination of the main therapeutic benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants and their relevant metabolites with a single sample preparation. The two substance groups are assayed in two chromatographic runs on an isocratic HPLC system with UV detector. The analytes are quantified by the inclusion of two specifically synthesized internal standards which themselves are not used as medication and therefore do not lead to interferences. By means of selective solid phase extraction, the sample preparation eliminates interfering co-eluants and ensures reproducible and reliable results.